Ukrainian National Pleads Guilty to Bank Robbery and Gun Charges

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 13, 2011

Robbed Nine Banks in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and New Jersey

Marat Mikhaylich, a Ukrainian national, pleaded guilty today to bank robbery and gun charges arising from the robbery of nine banks in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and New Jersey over a four-month period. Mikhaylich entered his plea before Robert M. Levy, United States Magistrate Judge, at the United States Courthouse in Brooklyn.

The guilty plea was announced by Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Janice K. Fedarcyk, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, and Raymond W. Kelly, Commissioner, New York City Police Department.

According to the charging documents, between December 2010 and March 2011, Mikhaylich robbed nine banks, brandishing a gun during eight of the robberies. As part of his guilty plea, he has agreed to forfeit the approximately $70,000 he took from the victim banks.

“The defendant was nicknamed ‘The Holiday Bandit,’ but his victims felt anything but celebratory as he committed his crimes. In the course of these robberies, the defendant put the lives of bank employees and customers in jeopardy,” stated United States Attorney Lynch. “This investigation and prosecution is part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining the safety our community and the security of our financial institutions.” Ms. Lynch extended her grateful appreciation to members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation/New York City Police Department Bank Robbery Task Force, which led the government’s investigation of the defendant.

The defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment on the charges to which he has pleaded guilty.

The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Darren LaVerne.

The Defendant:

MARAT MIKHAYLICH
Age: 36

The Department of Justice believes that it is important to keep victims/witnesses of federal crime informed of court proceedings and what services may be available to assist you.

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